Ahisaun is currently requesting support for

the following projects:

Expanding Services:
 Securing transportation facilities by
obtaining a car that enables Ahisaun to visit
and manage its community projects in the
regional districts.
 Building a Disability Training Centre in
Contact Ahisaun to contribute to
Gleno Ermera district.
the lives of marginalised young
 Establishing an accommodation centre
specifically for women in Dili. women and men with a disability.
Training and Education: People with incredible potential.
 Training staff in leadership, project man- Help Ahisaun provide them with the
agement, and English language skills.
supportive environment that will al-
 Scholarships for members to undertake
tertiary education. low them to realise their full worth.
 Work experience/internship opportunities
domestically and internationally.
Founder:
Computer Facilities:
Fr Adrian Ola Duli P: +670.751.0072
 New computer equipment, which will allow E: oladuli@yahoo.com.au
Ahisaun to improve the quality of its Director:
computer training courses and increase its Mario Cardoso P: +670.728.0023
sustainable income. E: mariocardoso17@yahoo.com
 Training in computer installation, Palms Australia Volunteers:
maintenance and website design. Lukas Rajnoch P: +670.724.9802
lukas_72@hotmail.com
 Training Ahisaun members in effective
Kristina Gunawan P: +670.724.9801
teaching methods and techniques.
sanmar2000@hotmail.com
Ahisaun’s Humble Beginnings
In 1996 Padre Adriano was involved in the na-
tional census, in the parish of Same, where he
noted the high number of households that in-
cluded people with a disability. At the time Padre
met Eduardo Da Silva who could not walk due to
childhood polio that had left him with wasted
lower limbs. In spite of his disability, Edu had a
big potential to have a better life using his skills.
This inspired Padre Adriano to support young
people with a disability in East Timor. Four years
after this encounter, with much assistance from
the local community, Ahisaun was born.
In 2000 Ahisaun commenced providing outreach
and housing to 8-10 young disabled men in a rent-
free house sponsored by a local business man.
Due to lack of space, Ahisaun was initially only
able to provide permanent housing for men. Ahi-
saun has grown much since these early beginnings.
Ahisaun seeks to:
 Build the self confidence of young people with
a disability and encourage them to use their
talents and abilities.
 Empower young people with a disability to
achieve their optimal potential both personally
and academically – through formal education.
 Raise community awareness about disability in
its residential community and beyond.
 Create a warm environment where people with
a disability feel welcome, respected and valued.
 Appreciate people’s creativity through a
range of activities like carving, sewing, vo-
cal training.
Today
 Ahisaun accommodates approx 20 young
men and women in a new facility in Dili
and is also a place for other young people
with a disability to receive training.
 Young people with a disability are pro-
vided with support to attend normal pub-
lic schools in Dili together with other
Timorese children.
 Ahisaun provides training in
computing, handicrafts and music.
 Young people with a disability at Ahisaun
now train other able bodied people in Dili
in the use of computer programs.
 Members participate in community events
such as the Dili Marathon Fun Run, which
challenges peoples perceptions about
people with a disability.
Ahisaun will continue to support young
people with a disability to undertake training
and complete their schooling and university
education
Ahisaun continuously seeks to improve its
organization and services.
Strategic Priorities for Future:
1. Increasing the internal capacity and moti-
vation of Ahisaun’s staff and members
through developing their leadership and
management qualities.
2. Generating sustainable sources of income
to support the organization’s capacity to
finance its ongoing costs, remunerate its
staff and reduce dependency on donors.
3. Expanding services to districts and rural
communities to provide opportunities for
young people with a disability in areas of
greatest need.